PMI Risk Management Professional Practice Exam

In a functional organization, who has the authority to give directions to a project team member?

1. The project manager

2. The team member's peer

3. The functional manager

4. The project sponsor

The correct answer is: The functional manager

In a functional organization, the functional manager holds the authority to direct project team members. This structure is characterized by a clear hierarchy where different departments or functions are led by functional managers, who have operational control over their respective staff. When a project team member is part of a specific functional area, such as engineering, marketing, or finance, it is the functional manager who provides daily guidance, performance evaluations, and overall direction for that individual's work. The project manager, while responsible for overseeing the project objectives and coordination across various functions, typically has limited authority over the resources that belong to the functional managers. Using this structure, the functional manager's role is crucial because they ensure that the project team members adhere to specific technical standards and departmental procedures, thus maintaining the overall quality and efficiency of work delivered. The project manager, on the other hand, focuses more on project milestones, scope, and stakeholder communication, relying on the functional managers to manage their teams effectively within the project's framework.